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Solubilization isotherms of aromatic solutes in surfactant aggregates

Journal Article · · Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States)
; ;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering

Several factors affecting solubilization of aromatic solutes in surfactant micelles have been investigated. Solubilization isotherms of benzene, toluene, and chlorobenzene in various aqueous micellar solutions were determined using head space gas chromatography. Cationic surfactants such as cetylpyridinium chloride or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide present high solubilization capacities. Comparable anionic surfactants exhibit lower solubilization and a greater tendency to precipitate. It was observed that nonionic surfactants show high solubilization on a molar basis. Solubilization in mixed cationic-anionic micelles was also investigated. It also appears that the molecular size of the solute determines the extent of the solubilization. Finally, the shape of the different isotherms indicates that knowing the amount solubilized at saturation of the micellar solution is not sufficient to estimate solubilization at solute concentrations lower than the solute aqueous solubility. Solubilization of organics in surfactant micelles is of major importance in many applications. One new application is micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration. Another application of interest is the surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation, a process in which a micellar aqueous solution is flushed into contaminated groundwaters to enhance recovery of pollutants by micellar solubilization.

OSTI ID:
6564618
Journal Information:
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States) Vol. 170:1; ISSN 0021-9797; ISSN JCISA5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English